Sheepdog Training 8 – Never punish your dog for coming back

NEVER punish your dog for coming back to you.

Picture a typical scene. You’re out walking your dog in the local park and he runs off to play with another dog he’s just spotted. You call him back but he’s having a great time and ignores you. You call again – this time much louder than before.

Eventually you resort to screaming and the dog finally gives in and comes back to you. This is the most critical time. You’re feeling angry, utterly humiliated and revengeful – so you scream at the dog and maybe even beat him. This is a big mistake. Difficult though it may be, if you could bring yourself to give the dog an enthusiastic welcome (and try to make it as genuine as possible) the dog’s much more likely to come back sooner next time isn’t it?

By punishing the dog when he’s just returned to you, all you’re doing is confusing the poor creature. From his point of view, he had a good lark with his mate and then when he did what you asked (came back to you) he was severely punished…

What’s he supposed to do next time – come back to you and get beaten again?

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Training – 1 Introduction Training – 2 Basic training requirements Training – 3 Why sheepdogs work Training – 4 Definition of a sheepdog Training – 5 A dog is for life… Training – 6 Bond with your dog Training – 7 Firm fair & consistent Training – 8 Never punish a dog for coming back Training – 9 Welcome your dog back Training – 10 ‘Reading’ your dog’s mind Training – 11 Careful thought, to cure problems Training – 12 Control your temper Training – 13 Don’t blame the dog Training – 14 What does a sheepdog do? Training – 15 Started sheepdog or puppy? Training – 16 ISDS registered or farm dog? Training – 17 Choosing a part-trained dog Training – 18 Chasing cars & other things Training – 19 Suitable housing for dogs Training – 20 Correct food for your dog Training – 21 Spend time with your dog Training – 22 Traditional sheepdog commands Training – 23 What happens when you start? Training – 24 A dog’s first encounter with sheep Training – 25 The supermarket trolley! Training – 26 The ‘Magic Cord’ Training – 27 Teaching a dog to stop Training – 28 Gripping or biting sheep Training – 29 Dogs with ‘too much eye’ Training – 30 Teaching the dog to drive sheep Training – 31 Sheepdog trials Training – 32 What happens at sheepdog trials?

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Sheepdog Training 8 – Never punish your dog for coming back

NEVER punish your dog for coming back to you.

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